4-H skiers getting geared up Saturday

This year's 4-H nordic ski season will kick off with the annual sign-up and equipment rental day happening Saturday, Dec. 12 from 2-4 p.m. in room 110 at the Bill Ray Center downtown.

The program, which often boasts nearly 100 local youth, is open for those in first grade and up.

Since equipment is rented on a first-come-first-serve basis, returning Juneau Nordic Ski Club members have first pick. Registration and rental gear for past participating members will be available from 2-3 p.m. New members can get gear from 3-4 p.m. The cost of gear is $50 for the season, and Tom Brayton, a JNSC coach, said the gear can also be for personal use, so family members can ski together.

Brayton said the season will officially kick off on Jan. 3 and will run every Sunday through March 7, 2010. Coaching is done solely by volunteers and those interested in coaching can contact the club. There will be a coaches training session on Jan. 2 to go over basic instructional drills that will help beginning youth learn to ski.

For more information contact coach Tom Brayton by e-mail at v2_4balance@gci.net or by phone at 780-7811.